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The threat level in the airline sector is High or Orange. Read more.
REAL ID is a nationwide effort to improve the integrity and security of state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards, which in turn will help fight terrorism and reduce fraud.
The 9/11 Commission recommended that the U.S. improve its system for issuing identification documents, urging the Federal government to set standards for the issuance of sources of identification. The REAL ID Act of 2005 was Congress' response to this key recommendation.
State-issued identification is an important step toward enhancing national security. Because driver's license serves so many purposes (access to federal buildings, nuclear power plants, boarding aircraft, etc.), terrorists actively seek fraudulent state-issued identification. The REAL ID rules will make it more difficult for them, while making it easier for law enforcement to detect falsified documents.
This page was last reviewed/modified on June 23, 2008.